Loaded Guns Found, 4 Arrested Following Traffic Stop In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — Four people were charged after three loaded firearms were found during a motor vehicle stop on Centennial Avenue at Myrtle Street in Cranford on Saturday, said police.

At around 1:10 a.m., Officer Rameil King stopped a silver 2013 Ford for an equipment violation in the area of Centennial Avenue and Myrtle Street.

During the investigation, King found three loaded firearms, said Cranford Police Chief Matthew R. Nazzaro.

The suspects, later identified as Ruben Rivera, 32, of Orange; Javonna Jones, 32, of Somerset; Taquan Swan, 23, of Orange; and Jamel Willard, 29, of Hamilton; were taken into custody without incident.

Recovered were a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 Special handgun, and a loaded Lorcin L 9mm semi-automatic handgun, said Nazzaro.

Additionally, Rivera was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (ecstasy), said Nazzaro.

Rivera was charged with two counts of second-degree possession of a firearm, one count of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, and one count of third-degree of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Jones and Swan were charged with two counts of second-degree possession of a firearm, and one count of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Willard was charged with three counts of second-degree possession of a firearm, one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess firearms, and one count of fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine.

At the time of their arrest, Willard, Jones, Rivera, and Swan were committed to Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.